5 Reasons to Plan a Family Safari in Sri Lanka

With lockdowns easing up around the world, it's time to start planning for a family holiday abroad that will allow your little ones the chance to finally be out in the world experiencing some fresh new adventures.

A safari holiday in Sri Lanka will present you and your family the chance to experience the country's rich natural landscape and a treasure trove of wild animals bringing along with them a whole lot of excitement that is bound to leave you wanting for more.

Here are our top reasons why you should take your family to the island on a safari holiday:

1. Enjoy Sri Lanka's iconic species up close

All the wildlife documentaries on earth cannot come close to the thrill of being immersed in the wilderness on a safari game drive. Yala National Park on the south coast of Sri Lanka is the perfect destination for your family safari holiday. Yala has the highest concentration of leopards and is also home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and crested serpent eagles, among many others that you can hope to catch a glimpse of as you head off on your safari excursion.

Book your stay at Wild Coast Tented Lodge, sitting adjacent to the park, and encounter a holistic wilderness experience with all the comforts of a luxury resort. Your stay includes a private game drive with a seasoned park ranger that would take you deep into the wildlife reserve.

2. Experience a variety of landscapes within the island

Tucked within Sri Lanka's total land area of 65,610 sq. km. are some of the most vibrant and diverse landscapes you can experience. A huge benefit of travelling to Sri Lanka is the close proximity to various significant tourist attractions spread across the tiny island. You can spend less time travelling around and more time enjoying the sights.

Consider making a trip towards Horton Plains National Park in the country's central highlands, where you may encounter an entirely different range of flora and fauna as you set out on a trekking adventure. Expect the weather to dip as low as 5°C to 12°C as you leave behind the sunny coastline that averages at about 29°C.

3. Get an understanding of the locals and their culture

While the wildlife and the natural beauty are some of the main attractions in Sri Lanka, experiencing the life of the locals and their rich cultural heritage would be one of the most memorable occasions for your family.

Whether you are attending the evening prayers at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy or experiencing authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in a local setting, there are quite a number of opportunities for you to get engrossed in the local culture.

If you're choosing Wild Coast Tented Lodge for your accommodation, they offer a specially curated 'Junior Chef' culinary experience tailored to kids of all ages. This fun cooking activity allows youngsters the opportunity to fully immerse in the preparation of local favourites like coconut and treacle pancakes, coconut and cinnamon cookies or chocolate biscuit pudding!

4. A range of holiday activities that can make everyone happy

In Sri Lanka, there is always something for everyone to engage in. Whether you like water sports like surfing or diving, you want to set off on a cycling adventure in the rural countryside, or simply lounge about on the golden sandy beaches under the shade of tall coconut palms fully committing to your island holiday, there's no end to the range of activities that are in store for your family.

5. Create lasting memories with your family

Disconnect from the incessant connectivity to technology as you relish in the feeling of being present whilst soaking up the natural beauty of the island.

Head on a stroll along the sandy beaches or dip into the refreshing waters. Spend quality time connecting with your loved ones as you create lasting memories in this tropical land of bliss.

The best time to go to Sri Lanka:

Travelling to Sri Lanka with your family has never been easier; with direct flights to Colombo being available from 52 cities inclusive of London, Paris, Melbourne, Tokyo and Sydney, it takes far less time and effort to reach the island with your family.

In terms of accommodation, there is a range of options available, inclusive of luxury resorts like Wild Coast Tented Lodge by Resplendent Ceylon. The tropical climate means you can travel around the island at any time of year, though the most popular time to take holidays in Sri Lanka is between December and March.